Poverty cause for gang wars in Worcester

SOCIAL ILLS are at the root of the violence that saw gang members shot dead and houses burnt in Avian Park and Riverview, say Worcester community leaders.

Acting Community Police Forum chairperson Russel Cupido said youth unemployment, drugs and substance abuse are a major contribution to the violence that erupted in the past two weeks.

He said the local economy is heavily dependent on agriculture which is seasonal, and when people are out of work they seek relief from illegal activities.

He said since there is high demand for drugs, gangsters fight over turf.

“Our economy does not produce enough jobs for the community and poverty leads people to selling and taking drugs.

He said as a result, the community lives in fear and no one is willing to share information with the authorities.

Cupido said it is very challenging for them to fight the violence but there are promising aspects they are exploring such as sports because it is the one thing that brings the community together, where they can talk and come up with solutions.

Claude Schroeder from the Cape Winelands municipality said it has been trying to invest in social structures in the area.

He said authorities have been engaging with the communities to work with police by sharing information to combat violence.

Police spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said males between the ages of 14 and 43 have been arrested for murder, attempted murder, arson, public violence and assault.

“The police invites the communities to work together to eradicate violence.” –